Walz, legislative leaders strike budget deal including HCMC rescue, $1.2 billion infrastructure package

It may have taken until four days remain in the Legislative session, but legislators now know what budget targets they must reach to make the math work on the last bills of the biennium.

On Wednesday evening, House and Senate leaders and Gov. Tim Walz came to agreement on a supplemental budget framework that includes funding to keep Hennepin County Medical Center in operation, provides property tax relief, and modernizes the technology that helps administer the state’s human services programs.

The agreement also includes fraud-fighting measures, temporary fee reductions on vehicle registrations, and a $1.2 billion bonding bill.

“This agreement reflects the disciplined, fiscally responsible approach Minnesotans expect,” Walz said in a statement. “We are keeping a balanced budget, making targeted reductions, and focusing every dollar on core priorities: fiscal sustainability, critical infrastructure, and the health and wellbeing of our communities.”